Logan research reveals seniors’ housing needs

Logan seniors living in public housing can look forward to even better housing support thanks to a groundbreaking research project, the results of which were released today.

The Logan Research Project was undertaken by Brisbane Housing Company (BHC), in partnership with the Churches of Christ in Queensland (CofCQ) and working with University of Queensland researchers.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said more than 150 Logan seniors aged 55 and over who live in government housing were surveyed.

“It’s important my department have insight into what seniors in public housing need, and how we can better meet those needs,” Mr de Brenni said.

“For example, we learned that while most tenants were satisfied with their home, some had concerns about whether their homes would be still be suitable for their needs five years from now.

Mr de Brenni said that the report reflected the Palaszczuk Government’s approach to engaging with seniors in public housing which sits in stark contrast to the approach taken by the previous Government.

He said seniors in public housing still remember the LNP’s infamous letter to tenants suggesting they may have to move homes or share with strangers, with one senior interviewed remarking:

“I was terrified of being forced out when the Housing Minister announce a few years ago tenants would be moved out if the home was ‘not suitable for their needs’.”

Minister for Seniors Coralee O’Rourke said the learnings from the report were being included in the development of the Palaszczuk Government’s new ten year housing strategy.

“We know that seniors need suitable and affordable housing, and we want to make sure we tailor housing to their needs,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The insights provided by this research will make sure we’re building homes which are safe, accessible and comfortable for people as they age, so they can remain in the communities they've made home.

“The Advisory Taskforce on Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders has also investigated ways we might improve choice, affordability, fairness and independence, while reducing complexity in their transition to aged care.”

Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch welcomed the survey results, and said they would help to ensure public housing services were responsive to tenants' needs.

“Most of the interviews, with the permission of the residents, were done in people's homes," Ms Enoch said.

“The interviewers spent the time to really understand the needs and challenges expressed by residents. For example, tenants talked about needing good security in their homes, being close to services like shops and doctors, and being able to have friends and family stay with them."

Member for Logan Linus Power said the survey targeted future housing and support service needs in the area.

“As people age, their housing needs change,” Mr Power said.

“The research results are helping to inform future development and refurbishment projects in Logan, as part of our Better Neighbourhoods Logan’s precinct by precinct rejuvenation plan, as well as the housing strategy.

"I'd like to say thank you to all the residents who volunteered to participate in the survey, because the insights they shared will help our Logan community become even more inclusive and supportive of seniors.”

BHC CEO David Cant said the survey targeted future housing and support service needs in the area.

Mr Cant said BHC, like all good housing providers, wanted to remain engaged with the people seeking its services.

“It was valuable for us to hear directly from seniors about whether current housing and support services were meeting their needs, and which services they would require in the future,” he said.